SEVEN WAYS TO TREAT YOURSELF

Whether it’s a sound bath, saltwater therapy session or just celery-juice happy hour, there’s no better way to spend the day than with a body-healing treatment, or three.

GO: off the grid with a day-long wellness retreat. Diarise your downtime to guarantee yourself time for relaxation – it’s known to boost self-esteem.

2. DEDICATE THE DAY TO ART

Sculpt, sketch or sing your heart out: whichever you choose, it’s time to indulge your inner artist. In need of a little inspiration? See if your city offers graffiti art tours or sign up for a colour walk – show up wearing your boldest, brightest outfit for a guaranteed mood lift.

SAY YES: to an immersive theatre experience if you’re heading out after dark. You’ll be talking about it for weeks.

3. CHASE THE SUN

Turn Valentine’s Day into a week-long holiday by escaping the cold weather with a trip to sunnier climes. You’ll be too busy soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand to give boxed chocolates a second thought.

TAKE: a walk at sunset sans phone if you can. Catching the last sliver of sun is scientifically proven to ease stress and promote a sense of well-being.

4. PLAY HOST

Grab your closest girlfriends and a bottle of something sparkling and think of Valentine’s as the day you celebrate everything enviable about being single. Let Sex and the City be your inspiration.

FEAST: on crudités, cocktails and chocolate truffles.

5. GET MOVING

Get your adrenaline pumping, your endorphins rushing and your pulse racing. It doesn’t matter how you exercise, just breaking a sweat is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

TRY: something new and out of your comfort zone, such as an aerial yoga or gymnastics class. You’ll be queen of the handstands in no time.

6. ROOM FOR ONE

If there was ever a time for a one-night staycation in a luxury treehouse with sweeping views of the forest and a private hot tub, this would be it. You’ll never want to leave.

BOOK: a room with a view. Think scallop-edged infinity pools and panoramic city lights.

7. SPLURGE

Santa never did deliver on that leather-collar trench coat you hinted at for months. Now is the time to be your own gift-giver. Declare Valentine’s Day as a treat-yourself day and splurge on that something special.

GET: your initials stamped, engraved or sewn onto your gift to make it even memorable.